At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in local government and contribute to impactful community projects.
- Company: Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Earn £14.80 per hour, enjoy 40 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a meaningful internship that opens doors in public service.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills, teamwork abilities, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for SEND and care leaver applicants; inclusive recruitment practices.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Salary: London Living Wage – £14.80 per hour (equivalent to £27,778 per annum)
Contract Length: Fixed Term (6 weeks)
Working Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract Type: Full‑time
Location: Richmond or Wandsworth (dependent on placement team)
Horizons 26 is a paid, six‑week summer internship for people aged 16 and above, offering the chance to gain meaningful, hands‑on experience across our council services. As an intern, you’ll contribute to projects that support the delivery of key council initiatives, reflecting our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and improving public services for our communities.
The Horizons Internship Programme forms a key part of our wider Early Careers strategy, designed to open up pathways into local government and help develop future talent. To help you learn more about the Horizons 26 Internship Programme, we’ll be holding online information sessions covering an overview of the programme, application tips, and a chance to ask questions.
Information Sessions: Tuesday 3rd March 2026 from 12:30pm – 1:15pm and Wednesday 18th March 2026 from 4:00pm – 4:45pm.
We welcome and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the workplace. We are committed to supporting Richmond and Wandsworth young people from both SEND and care leaver backgrounds with routes into employment. Therefore, Richmond and Wandsworth SEND or care leaver applicants will be guaranteed an interview upon submitting an application. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. To be eligible, applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
During the programme, interns will gain:
- Skills development relevant to public service and professional working environments
- Mentoring and guidance from experienced council staff
- Exposure to real projects that make a meaningful difference in our communities
- Insight into careers within local government, including career pathways and future opportunities
- Networking opportunities with teams, managers, and leaders across the councils
Person Specification
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate:
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisation and time‑management abilities
- Effective teamwork and collaboration skills
- A willingness to learn and take on feedback
- Basic IT skills, including use of email and standard Microsoft 365 applications
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: Sunday 29th March 2026. Shortlisting Date: April 2026. Interview Date: May 2026. We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Horizons 26 - Internship - Wandsworth, London employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Horizons 26 - Internship - Wandsworth, London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Richmond and Wandsworth councils. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your responses, making you feel more confident when it’s your turn.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! During the interview, let your passion for public service shine through. Talk about why you want to be part of the Horizons Internship Programme and how you can contribute to their initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Horizons 26 - Internship - Wandsworth, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Horizons 26 Internship. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for, especially in communication and teamwork.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting send, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your great qualifications, so let’s make sure everything is polished and professional!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We may close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the Horizons 26 Internship and what it entails. Familiarise yourself with the council's initiatives and values, as this will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your communication, organisation, and teamwork skills during the interview. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase these abilities, as they are key qualities the council is looking for in candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you learn more about the internship experience and the team you'll be working with.
✨Be Yourself
Don’t forget to let your personality shine through! The council values diversity and inclusion, so being authentic will help you connect with the interviewers and show them who you really are.